Cinderella

I was very pleased to be attending my first Loddon Players panto and honoured to be present in their 50th anniversary year. After receiving a warm welcome, I glanced through the very colourful anniversary programme. In the centre pages was a very nicely presented montage of photos and press clippings from their first production, Cinderella, presented in January 1976, which the Players had chosen again for 2026. It was a nice touch to see notes in the programme from Joan Evans and John Harris, who were there in 1975 when the idea, from John, to bring a panto to Loddon was first discussed, which John subsequently went on to produce.

As the lights went down, the voices of original members Maureen Larkin, and Anthony Bunting, dame for numerous years, introduced the show as the announcers. It was a wonderful way to open the production and celebrate the 50 years.

In traditional manner, the Fairy Godmother, played by Jody Chapman, introduced the story before the curtains opened. Jody’s clarity of diction and warmth with the audience were perfect.

With limited stage space to work with, the set had been designed to ensure that the space on the stage was maximised. With an opening number featuring most of the cast and the incredible Funky Feet dancers, who managed to perform some complex moves and lifts both in the opening number and throughout the show, the production was energetic, colourful, and delightful. I was amazed at what was achieved creatively in the small space that was available. Cinderella’s carriage to take her to the ball was wonderful, drawn by members of the Funky Feet dancers dressed as unicorns.

Throughout the panto MD Alan Cant was there on keyboards to provide the music for several well-known songs, and the vocals were particularly good from everyone.

Jane Rainer was a brilliant Buttons, with great reactions throughout and full of energy, along with the usual corny jokes.

Tilly Bell, as Cinderella, was wonderful, and perfectly cast as the kind and considerate daughter so badly treated by her mother and two sisters. The scene when she was magically transformed into her ballgown to attend the ball was very well done and a truly magical moment. Gemma Buskell was excellent as Prince Charming, and her scenes with Dandini (Janna Sapey) and Cinderella were extremely well delivered, with strong onstage chemistry.

As her mother, the Baroness, Vicki McDicken was everything the wicked character should be, excellently played as she scowled at everyone every time she came on, and she got the boos she deserved. As her “lost at sea” husband, the Baron, David Bingham got a cheer every time, as the cast froze in time while David crept across the stage with seagulls attached to his headwear at regular intervals throughout the show. As the two “preferred sisters,” the wonderfully named Salmonella and Listeria, Joe Jacob and Lewis Jacob were hilarious, and this was another particularly good piece of casting.

The strong supporting cast included Darci-Rose Sayer as Clarissa, Katie Bell as Leona, and Dawn Cartwright as Henrietta. Sam Rainer, as Velcro, and Johnny Green, as Zip, made another good double act. Linda and Alastair Skepelhorn also supported as the Queen and King.

This was an uplifting and very enjoyable family panto. Congratulations to Producer Steve Burton and Director Jackie Bingham, and all at Loddon Players.

 

 

 

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